Monday, March 9, 2009

LOVE that was given freely, that we may also freely give it to others.

Grace can WALK.

Not well, just a few steps with bent legs, but she can walk. Two weeks ago Grace came to our family and her grandmother explained to me that she was "lame". At three years old she could not stand, walk, hold her spoon, or complete a sentence. Unbelieving I took her to a doctor who said she had "ascending paralysis" meaning her legs were paralyzed and the rest of her would slowly become that way. Something didn't resonate in my spirit, and being that these doctors have been wrong before, I (with all my medical knowledge, ha) decided not to believe them either. Where was the fun in that anyway? We began stretching little Grace's legs, helping her eat, cuddling her constantly, and covering her in prayer. Grace began pulling herself up on the furniture. She began to take a few steps holding onto my hands. Today she walked about ten steps alone before she had to sit down. Grace can hold her spoon, and although she makes quite the mess, she can feed herself. Grace laughs about 13 out of the 14 hours we are awake each day. And Grace can say a full sentence without stuterring, "I lub lou mommy."

Her sisters LOVE her to pieces. When I was worried that she was pretty delayed, had some "special needs", her sisters never saw a difference. They knew that her only special need was love. Big, unconditional, extravagant love. Love that was given freely, that they freely gave to their new sister. They stretch her little withered legs as she sits on their laps, help her not spill her juice everywhere, and don't even complain when she poops on the floor. Jane, my only other child who does not go to shcool during the day, so desperatley longs for Grace to play with her that she can often be found holding Grace's hand and walking/dragging her everywhere she goes.

In two weeks I have been able to watch God give back to Grace everything that was taken from her the first three years of her life. I have watched Him not only begin to restore her physically, but restore her spirit, her little heart that He so deeply loves and desires intimacy with. He has reminded me how deeply He longs for each one of His children to know His intimate love. He has reminded me how He longs to restore our brokeness. He has reminded my girls what His LOVE can do through their little hands. Most incredible is that I know He is not done yet, but only getting started.

Lord, we give you our brokeness, that you may fully restore us. Remind us of the intimacy that you long for with each of us, your deep, passionate love for your children. Father, you have given so freely, you have loved so extravagantly. Let us give. Let us LOVE.

Praise God!! He constantly shows us His amazing love. We all prayed for little Grace, and her legs. We all have prayed for you and what you are doing. Thank you Jesus for making your love tangible. Thank you for showing these children that you work through them as well.

Your faith is an encouragement and an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your journey with such faith and passion. I look forward to reading your blog each day as you post, to see how the Lord is working. He has placed you on my heart to pray for many times and reading your blog affirms why I needed to pray. I read many blogs that are interesting, they provide information about what is happening in their community but your blog gives me a spiritual blessing that I really appreciate.

God is so good! Grace can walk! Thank God and His Son!!!!! THANK YOU for your healing faith, Katie! To think Grace can say, "I love you, Mommy"!!!!!!!! I am rejoycing right now, and so thankful to Heavenly Father, who loves EVERYONE!

Praise God...what wonderful news about Grace. Isn't it once again amazing to see God defy the medical expertise of Dr's....I know how important Dr's are and how needed they are in our lives...but when something like this happens, we see the God who is "The Great Physican" at work in lives...and for that we are so grateful.

God is merciful and God is great....we continue to pray for complete restoration of Grace's body.

Amen Amen Amen !!! I love watching the Lord part the Red Sea over and over again in Uganda w/ you ... He is doing a miracle here also .. We have posted on the blog about our children in Uganda !! Katie, sweet sister ... I luffa YOU and can't wait to see your face and have MY children in their Auntie Katie's arms ... Keep on fighting there and we will keep on covering you in prayer here ...

Have I mentioned I am going to be in a really bad mood next week while my peeps are with you ???!!

I'm crying as I write this...Grace has been on my heart for the past week so much and I've been praying that God would reach down and touch her little legs and bring her healing all week. I am SO thrilled that our amazing God has shown His love and power in such a generous way. He is so good and I rejoice with you and your family and pray that God will continue to be glorified in and through Grace's life. What a mighty God we serve! - Amy

Praise God, Praise God!! Yes, YES!! God is in the miracle business especially when we only have HIM!! Your witness of God's power, Katie, will continue to be heard around the world, I'm sure of it. And sweet Gracie...God has BIG plans for her too as well as all of your children. The love you're lavishing on them is a reflection of God's limitless love for you!

Oh, I'm so glad I check your blog before I went to bed! What wonderful, exciting news!!! I am amazed at what God can do. What a difference He is making through you. Since I found out about your ministry two weeks ago, I have not been about to stop thinking about you. You are in my prayers, and I plan on sponsoring a child by the end of this month. I am truly blessed to witness God's work in the lives of those precious children. Thank you for letting us get a glimpse.

Katie, I must know about this child... I told the mayernick's to try and get some video of her, sitting, standing, trying to walk... if there's anything I can do from stateside I will try my best. Though, it sounds like you are doing an amazing job!!! It's amazing just how much LOVE can do for some of these children with special needs....I love you Katie dear!!! <3<3<3

Oh I am so excited for all of you! God does work miracles and add the love of a mother to that equation and great things do happen! You are living proof. God, no doubt, has amazing plans that we cannot even fathom in store for all of your daughters. Isn't it so exciting as a mom to watch those plans unfold?!

And I also have to say that those pictures of you and the girls are adorable! They are so precious, how can you not just smother them in kisses every second?!

I will continue to pray for Grace as well as for you and all of your girls.

Miracles are real!! I am so excited for Grace. After reading your post on Feb 22, I sent out a bulk email about you and have raised enough $$$ to sponsor 2 children. I am already sponsoring one through my Bible Study group at Brentwood United Methodist. Hope to get more throughout the year!!! Blessing to you!Betsy

Oh, Katie, through your example of love, your children have been learning to love with God's love, too, and just look what God is doing! He is using you and your girls to pour out big doses of His healing love to all those around you, and look what it's doing for Grace! Our God still works miracles! Praying for all of you!

God answers prayer in the most perfect way... Usually following a wonderful lesson of Faith and devotion that we can learn from and share. Thank you for the update on Grace. You simply astound me with your faith. God bless and keep on sharing and serving your children for the kingdom.

Jesus; you humble us..you tilt your ear our direction and you are moved with compassion...you could just speak and it would happen ,but not you Lord..you in your incomparable love must touch us ..and we love you and thank you for it. Praise you for your touch to the life of little Amazing Grace!!!

The absolute wonder of witnessing a miricle taking place, just gives me chills.I asked my husband if we could move to Africa last week. He isn't ready yet. I am waiting for God to speak to him about it, because I am thinking it is the right thing for us to do.

Katie, do you know how much your sweet mother loves you??? She was our special guest speaker for Liberty Downs Womens' Assoc.. We love you too Katie and are praying for you and supporting your powerful mission of caring.We said your power is snowballing!! We are just blessed to view in awe and hopefully support.God bless you precious daughter of Mary Pat!Love,Bridget Filipovic

the love that is so evident in each of you and your family through this post brought huge tears to my eyes today. miss you and your sweet heart. was at suz's yesterday and there is A LOT about to come your way!!!! love you so so much

Amazing Katie! Awesome is the God that we serve! He is able to do so much more than we can ever hope or imagine!! When I first saw the picture of you and Grace I put it on my desk top to remember to pray for the both of you on a daily basis. From the minute I saw Grace I felt like she was going to walk... so I started praying for healing. It won't surprise me when she is running and dancing with the rest of her sisters. Its a good thing we know the God who is in the business of miracles. I will keep praying for more miracles for your family and the ministry that He has called you to! Love and prayers!

"Wonderful, merciful Savior, Precious Redeemer and Friend...You are the One that we praise, You are the One we adore...Here in our hearts, may you find us falling before your throne!" Katie, thank you for sharing these lessons you are learning from everyday living--everyday, sacrificial, obedient living. Thank you God for touching Grace's legs and making them well!!